Partition Assembly Made With Partitions Having Rounded Edges, Stiffening Members and Method of Making Same

ABSTRACT

A partition assembly comprising a partition matrix made up of intersecting first and second slotted partitions, each of the partitions having at least one slot and a rounded edge. The slots of the partitions are engaged with each other at a plurality of intersections. The partitions are made by rounding an edge of a multi-layered blank using a rotatable tool and then cutting the partition material to a desired size. Slots may then be formed in the edge sealed material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/714,677 filed Dec. 14, 2012 entitled “Partition Assembly Made WithPartitions Having Rounded Edges and Method of Making Same”, which isfully incorporated by reference herein. U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/714,677 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/575,108 filed Oct. 7, 2009 entitled “Partition Assembly Made WithPartitions Having Rounded Edges and Method of Making Same”, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,360,306, which is fully incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a partition assembly for dividing thespace inside a container or box; more particularly, to a partitionassembly made of slotted partitions having rounded edges.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

In the storage, shipment or display of parts or merchandise, it is acommon practice to divide the interior of a box or container into aplurality of individual cells. The interior of a box or container istypically separated by a series of dividers, one set of paralleldividers being orthogonal to a second set of dividers. The dividersseparate the interior of the container into a plurality of individualholding cells, each of which is intended to hold a separate item fordisplay and/or shipment. The division of the interior of the box orcontainer helps prevent the items therein from contacting one anotherand breaking during shipping. The division or partitioning of thecontainer also aids in the loading and unloading of the items therein,as well as inventorying the contents of each box or container.

The dividers typically are slotted and arranged in an orthogonalrelationship to divide the interior of the box or container into adesired number of holding cells. The dividers are slotted in a mannerthat enables the dividers to engage with one another at the location ofthe slots so that the dividers form an orthogonal grid or matrix.Typically, the dividers are made of the same material as the material ofthe box or container, plastic or paperboard. However, the dividers maybe constructed of any suitable material with sufficient rigidity toprevent the contents of the container from contacting one another andbeing damaged.

One disadvantage with known partition assemblies is that the upper edgesof the partitions may have exposed sharp edges. For example, corrugatedplastic partitions may have sharp upper edges created by cutting a sheetof corrugated plastic to the desired partition size. Such an exposedupper edge of the partition may damage products or parts being loadedinto or unloaded from the cells of the container in which is located thepartition matrix or assembly. Partition assemblies incorporatingpartitions having exposed sharp upper edges may require additionalclearance between the parts being either loaded or unloaded and theupper edges of the partitions.

Another disadvantage of such partition assemblies is that the personloading or unloading parts or products into or from the cells of thecontainer may cut or scrape their knuckles or hands on the exposed upperedges of the partitions when loading or unloading parts or products.

Additionally, the stiffness of the partitions of the assembly isdictated by the material from which the partitions are made. Thestiffness of the partitions may not be altered without changing thematerial from which the partition is made.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,647,679 discloses a partition assembly which separatesthe interior of a box or container into a plurality of cells. Thepartitions of the assembly disclosed in this patent are formed byfolding a blank of material along a fold line so as to create a roundedsmooth upper edge. The material is disclosed as being paperboard orsimilar material.

Another partition assembly for dividing the interior of a container isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,263. The partitions of this assemblyare similarly rounded along their upper edges and are made oftransparent vinyl sheets.

In each of these prior art partition assemblies, the opposed plies ofthe dividers or partitions formed by folding a blank of material are notsecured to each other. Consequently, the opposed sides or plies of thepartitions are not secured to each other and may be easily separated,thereby expanding into the cells of the container defined by thepartition assembly. Consequently, the partitions may contact theproducts or parts stored in the cells and damage them. Additionally, thepartition plies may easily tear or otherwise be damaged. Upon assemblyor disassembly of the partition matrix, one or more portions of thepartitions may tear and hence cause disassembly of at least a portion ofthe partition matrix.

It therefore has been one objective of the present invention to providea partition having a rounded edge for use in a partition assembly, whichis more likely to stay intact than heretofore know partitions.

It has been a further objective of the invention to provide a method ofmanufacturing a partition having a rounded edge for use in a partitionassembly which is secure and may not be easily disassembled.

It has been another objective of the present invention to provide apartition having a rounded edge for use in a partition assembly in whichthe partition has desired properties such as stiffness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The partition assembly which accomplishes these objectives comprises atleast one first slotted partition intersecting with at least one secondslotted partition at an intersection. The intersecting first and secondslotted partitions form a plurality of holding cells into whichdifferent parts are stored for shipment or display.

Each first slotted partition has at least one slot extending inwardlyfrom an edge of the first slotted partition. Likewise, each secondslotted partition has at least one slot extending inwardly from an edgeof the second slotted partition. Preferably, the slots are evenly spacedin order to make the holding cells which are defined by the intersectingpartitions of identical dimensions. However, the slots may be located atany desired location. In one embodiment, each of the slots of a firstslotted partition extends inwardly from an edge of the first slottedpartition to approximately the midpoint of the first slotted partition.Each of the slots of a second slotted partition extends inwardly from anedge of the second slotted partition to approximately the midpoint ofthe second slotted partition.

The slotted partition may be formed of a multi-layered material or blankwhich is manipulated by a forming tool to create a rounded edge beforeor after being slotted. The slotted partition comprises an inner layerof foam or foam interior portion, preferably polyolefin foam, and twoopposed outer layers or skins bonded directly or laminated to opposedfaces of the inner foam layer. The inner foam layer may be made of aclosed-cell polypropylene or other polypropylene and comprises a singleply or layer of foam, as opposed to a two-ply foam layer as disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 7,344,043.

The outer layers, or skins, may be made of fabric, textile material suchas, for example, woven polyester, non-woven polyester, non-woven orspun-bonded polypropylene, foamed or solid polyolefin or other material,such as latex or non-polyolefin plastic. The outer layers may beselected as appropriate to protect or prevent surface damage to theproducts being stored and/or shipped in the cells of the container.

In an alternative embodiment, a desired stiffness or rigidity may becreated in the partition by inserting into the partition blank, fromwhich the partition is made, a thin plastic skin or middle layer betweenthe inner foam layer and the outer layers or skins. By altering thethickness and/or mechanical properties of the partition blank, thedesired level or degree of stiffness of the partition may be achievedduring the manufacturing process.

The method of manufacturing the partition comprises multiple steps.Although the method is described with respect to one embodiment, themethod may be used with any of the embodiments contemplated by thisinvention.

In one instance, the method of forming a slotted partition comprises afirst step of providing a multiple layered partition blank comprising afoam substrate having opposed first and second surfaces or faces and afirst fabric outer layer or skin secured or bonded directly to the firstsurface of the foam substrate and a second fabric outer layer or skinsecured or bonded directly to the second surface of the foam substrate.The outer skins or layers, alternatively, may be made of material otherthan fabric material. This partition blank may be made using any desiredknown method such as co-extrusion, lamination, etc. At this stage, thepartition blank has two opposed “hard” or unrounded edges which may beconsidered upper and lower edges.

A portion of the foam substrate of the multiple layered partition blankis heated with a heat source. According to one aspect of the invention,the heat source is placed in such proximity to an edge of the partitionso that heat from the heat source causes the foam substrate to become atleast partially molten and shrink or collapse. The upper edges of thefirst and second outer layers are then brought together over an upperedge of the foam substrate to create a rounded edge using a formingtool. The heat source is then distanced from the partition and thepartition allowed to cool, thereby creating a securement of the foamsubstrate to the outer skins of the partition to create a unitarypartition having a foam interior portion surrounded by outer skins andhaving a rounded edge. The heat source may be hot air or any othersuitable heat source. The partition may then be slotted in desiredlocations.

Another aspect of the present invention comprises a method of forming apartition assembly for use in a container, the method comprising thesteps of: first providing a first slotted partition comprising a foamsubstrate and opposed outer skins of a fabric material secured toopposed faces of the foam substrate wherein the first slotted partitionhas a rounded upper edge. The next step comprises providing a secondslotted partition comprising a foam substrate and opposed outer skins ofa fabric material secured to opposed faces of the foam substrate whereinthe second slotted partition has a rounded upper edge. The next stepcomprises engaging the slots of the first and second partitions to forma partition assembly.

One advantage of using a multilayered partition blank having a foaminterior made of a polyolefin foam is that upon the application of heat,the two outer skins of the partition blank may be moved together,thereby creating a rounded edge. The partition having a rounded edge maythen be cooled and slotted. The creation of slotted partitions havingrounded edges using only heat and no other materials may not be possibleor economically desirable with other materials such as paperboard,commonly used to make partitions.

Such a process of creating a user friendly partition assembly having thedesired stiffness without the use of any additional material other thanthe material of the individual partitions is quick, economical andallows many partitions having rounded edges to be mass produced with lowmaterial and labor costs.

This method of making a slotted partition by rounding one edge of thepartition is quick, easy and inexpensive. The opposed layers of thepartition are permanently secured to each other, making the partitionnon-disassembling and enhanced without using any additional material ortools.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the partition assembly of the presentinvention located inside a container;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the construction of the partitionassembly of FIG. 1 illustrating a plurality of first slotted partitionsand a plurality of second slotted partitions;

FIGS. 3A-3G illustrate one method of manufacturing a slotted partitionin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a side elevational view of a partition blank used inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a side elevational view of the partition blank of FIG. 3Awith heat being applied;

FIG. 3C is a side elevational view of the partition blank of FIG. 3Bshowing a rounding tool above the partition;

FIG. 3D is a side elevational view of the partition blank of FIG. 3Bshowing the rounding tool of FIG. 3C being moved along an edge of thepartition blank;

FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3E-3E of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3F is a perspective view illustrating a method of cutting thepartition to size;

FIG. 3G is a perspective view illustrating a finished slotted partitionaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of partitionlike the partition shown in FIG. 3E;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of partitionlike the partition shown in FIG. 3E;

FIG. 6 is a partially disassembled perspective view of a horizontaldispensing container without a dunnage structure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a dunnage structure built in accordancewith one aspect of the invention in a partially disassembled condition;

FIG. 7A is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line 7A-7A ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative verticallyoriented partition;

FIG. 7C is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative verticallyoriented partition;

FIG. 8A is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line 8A-8A ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 8B is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative horizontallyoriented partition;

FIG. 8C is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative horizontallyoriented partition;

FIG. 8D is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative horizontallyoriented partition;

FIG. 8E is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative horizontallyoriented partition;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the dunnage structure of FIG. 7 in apartially assembled condition;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the dunnage structure of FIG. 9 in anassembled condition;

FIG. 9B is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the dunnagestructure of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of another dunnage structure in anassembled condition;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the dunnage structure of FIG. 9A beingput inside the container of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the dunnage structure of FIG. 15Ainside the fully assembled container of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11A is a bottom perspective view, in a partially assembledcondition, of an alternative dunnage structure; and

FIG. 11B is an enlarged bottom perspective view of a portion of analternative dunnage structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there isillustrated a partition assembly 10 for dividing the space inside acontainer 5. Although one type or configuration of container 5 isillustrated in FIG. 1, the partition assembly 10 of the presentinvention may be used in any type of container or box. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the partition assembly 10 comprises a plurality of parallelfirst slotted partitions 12 intersecting with a plurality of parallelsecond slotted partitions 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, each first slotted partition 12 has a rounded upperor top edge 16, a planar bottom edge 18 and two opposed side edges 20.Likewise, each second slotted partition 14 has a rounded upper or topedge 22, a planar bottom edge 24 and two opposed side edges 26.

Each first slotted partition 12 has at least one slot 28 which extendsdownwardly from the top edge 16 of the first slotted partition 12 toapproximately the midpoint of the first slotted partition 12. The slots28 may be evenly spaced apart in order that the individual holding cells7 of the partition assembly may be evenly sized. See FIG. 1.Alternatively, the slots 28 of the first slotted partitions 12 may beunevenly spaced in order to form holding cells of the partition assemblyof differing sizes to accept different sized parts. The slots 28 areshown as being vertical, but may be horizontal if the partition assembly10 is placed on edge.

As shown in FIG. 2, each second slotted partition 14 has at least oneslot 30 extending upwardly from the bottom edge 24 of the second slottedpartition 14 to approximately the midpoint of the second slottedpartition 14. The slots 30 of the second slotted partitions 14 may alsobe evenly spaced in order so that the holding cells 7 of the partitionassembly 10 may be evenly sized. Again, see FIG. 1. Alternatively, theslots 30 may be unevenly spaced in order to form holding cells of thepartition assembly of differing sizes adapted to accept different sizedparts. The slots 30 are shown as being vertical, but may be horizontalif the partition assembly 10 is placed on edge.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first and secondslotted partitions 12, 14 is made by the method shown in FIGS. 3A-3G anddescribed below. FIG. 3A illustrates a multi-layered partition blank 32in detail according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thepartition blank 32 may be any desired size, i.e., any desired height,length or width. As best illustrated in FIG. 3A, multi-layered partitionblank 32 has three layers: a middle foam substrate or layer 34 and twofabric layers or skins 36, 38 located on opposite sides of the middlefoam substrate 34. All three layers of the multi-layered partition blank32 are parallel to one another and joined together. The middle foamsubstrate 34 has opposed first and second side surfaces or faces 40, 42,respectively. The first fabric layer 36 is bonded directly, laminated orsecured in any desired manner to the first side surface 40 of the middlefoam substrate 34. Likewise, the second fabric layer 38 is bondeddirectly, laminated or secured in any desired manner to the second sidesurface 42 of the middle foam substrate 34. The multi-layered partitionblank 32 has a generally planar upper edge 44 and a generally planarlower edge 46 parallel one another and orthogonal to the three layers ofthe multi-layered partition blank 32, as shown in FIG. 3A.

A wide variety of materials may be used for the middle, single layerfoam substrate 34 of the multi-layered partition blank 32 including, butnot limited to, polyolefin foam, such as polypropylene. In oneembodiment, the foam substrate 34 comprises a closed cell polypropylene.

A wide variety of materials may be used for the outer layers or skins36, 38 of the multi-layered partition blank 32 including, but notlimited to, woven polyesters, non-woven polypropylenes, foamed and solidpolyolefins, latex, non-polyolefin plastics.

Referring to FIG. 3B, to practice the method of this invention and forma multi-layered slotted partition 12 or 14 having a rounded edge forsubsequent use in a slotted partition assembly 10 as shown in FIGS. 1and 2, multi-layered partition blank 32 shown in FIG. 3A is subjected toheat from a heat source 48. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, an upper edge ofthe multi-layered partition blank 32 is passed underneath heat source48, which may be an infrared light, hot air or a heated wire, forexample. Other heat sources may be used, if desired. Heat from the heatsource 48 partially melts the middle foam substrate or foam interiorportion 34 of the multi-layered partition blank 32, thereby creating adepressed area 50, as shown in FIG. 3B.

This depressed area 50 enables the first and second skins or outerlayers 36, 38 to be manipulated by a rotatable shaping tool or wheel 52to create a rounded edge 16 along the upper surface of the unslottedpartition 56 shown in FIG. 3E.

FIG. 3C illustrates the rotatable shaping tool or wheel 52 driven by anaxle 53 above the heated partition blank 32. Although one configurationof rotatable shaping tool or wheel 52 is illustrated, otherconfigurations of the rotatable tool 52 are within the scope of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3D illustrates either the rotatable shaping tool or wheel 52 beinglowered or the heated partition blank 32 being raised to engage anarcuate or curved interior shaping surface 62 of the rotatable shapingtool or wheel 52 and the upper edge of the heated partition blank 32. Inother words, the upper edges 58, 60 of the outer layers or skins 36, 38are contacted by the arcuate or curved interior shaping surface 62 ofthe rotatable shaping tool or wheel 52 and urged inwardly toward eachother.

FIG. 3E illustrates the rotatable shaping tool or wheel 52 removed andthe unslotted partition 56. At the upper portion of the unslottedpartition 56, and the slotted partitions 12 and 14, the upper edges 58,60 of the outer layers or skins 36, 38 may contact each other along aline of attachment 64. FIG. 3E illustrates the unslotted partition 56resulting from the method of rounding the top of the multilayeredpartition blank 32 in the manner described above and illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3D. One or more knives 66 may be used to cut the unslottedpartition 56 to the desired size.

As shown in FIG. 3F, slots 68 are then cut out of the unslottedpartition 56 at the desired locations. The end result is a slottedpartition 12 for use in a partition assembly such as the one 10 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. Although FIG. 3F illustrates a first slotted partition12, the same process may be used to make a second slotted partition 14,the only difference being the location and/or direction of the slots.

FIG. 3G illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of firstslotted partition 12 for use in a partition assembly 10.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodimentof partition 12 a for use in a partition assembly. In this embodiment,partition 12 a is similar to the partition 12 shown in FIG. 3G, but hasa gap 70 along the upper edge of the partition 12 a between the upperedges 58 a, 60 a of the outer skins 36 a, 38, respectively. In thisalternative embodiment, the partition 12 a has outer layers or skins 36a, 38 a on opposite sides of a foam interior or substrate 34 a. Thepartition 12 a has a smooth upper edge 16 a like the upper edge 16 ofpartition 12 shown in FIG. 3G created by using the rotatable shapingtool or wheel 52 in the manner described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodimentof partition 12 b for use in a partition assembly. In this embodiment,partition 12 b has additional layers incorporated therein when comparedto the partition 12 shown in FIG. 3G. In this alternative embodiment,the partition 12 b has outer layers or skins 36 b, 38 b on oppositesides of a foam interior 34 b. In addition, interior stiffening layers72 are secured between the outer layers or skins 36 b, 38 b and the foaminterior 34 b. A wide variety of materials may be used for the middlestiffening layers or skins 72 including, but not limited to, variousplastics. If desired, additional middle stiffening layers of anysuitable material (not shown) may be added to the partition blank. Thepartition 12 b has a smooth upper edge 16 b including a line ofattachment 64 b, like partition 12 shown in FIG. 3G, created by usingthe rotatable shaping tool or wheel 52 in the manner described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partially disassembled container 125 comprising abase 126, a front brace 128, a rear brace 130, two opposed sidestructures 132 and a top 134. Although one configuration of container125 is illustrated, the dunnage structure 136 shown in FIGS. 13 and 15,or any other dunnage structure described in this document or in U.S.Patent Application Serial No. 12/235,695, which is fully incorporatedherein, may be used in any container including containers having onlyone open side or containers having four open sides.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of dunnage structure 136 comprising aplurality of horizontally oriented first partitions 138, each firstpartition 138 having a plurality of aligned slots 140 at predeterminedpositions and sized to allow connectors 141 to pass through the slots140 and therefore through the partition 138. The partition 138 may beany of the partitions disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/235,695 and made by any of the methods described therein.Alternatively, the partition 138 may be any partition described hereinand/or made in accordance with any of the methods described herein.

FIG. 8A illustrates one version of horizontally oriented first partition138 having a middle foam substrate or layer 142 and two outer fabriclayers or skins 150 located on opposite sides or faces of the middlefoam substrate or layer 142. The partition 138 has a rounded front edge146 and a rounded rear edge 148. A wide variety of materials may be usedfor the outer layer or skin 150 including, but not limited to, wovenpolyesters, non-woven polypropylenes, foamed and solid polyolefins,latex and non-polyolefin plastics. A wide variety of materials may beused for the foam interior layer 142 of the partition 138. In someembodiments, the foam interior layer 142 is a polyolefin foam. However,other materials other than foam which may be parent welded or fusedtogether without any additional material may be used.

FIG. 8B illustrates another version of horizontally oriented firstpartition 138 a similar to the partition 138 shown in FIG. 8A, buthaving only a round front edge 146 a and a flat rear edge 153.

FIG. 8C illustrates another version of horizontally oriented firstpartition 138 b similar to the partition 138 a shown in FIG. 8B, buthaving a flat front edge 154, rather than a round front edge, togetherwith a flat rear edge 155.

FIG. 8D illustrates another version of horizontally oriented firstpartition 138 c comprising corrugated plastic. This type of firstpartition 138 c comprises a pair of opposed face plies 156 along with aplurality of connectors 157 joining the opposed face plies 156. Theopposed face plies and connectors 157 define a plurality of flutes 158.

FIG. 8E illustrates another version of horizontally oriented firstpartition 138 d known in the industry as Con-Pearl® sold by FriedolaGmbH, This material is shown in cross-section in FIG. 8E as havingopposed face plies 159 and a middle ply 160 having dimples or bumps 162.

As shown in FIG. 7, dunnage structure 136 further comprises a pluralityof vertically oriented second partitions 164. Although these verticallyoriented second partitions 164 are shown being the same size, they maybe different sizes, i.e., different heights. These vertically orientedsecond partitions 164 separate adjacent horizontally oriented firstpartitions 138 and together with horizontally oriented first partitions138 define a plurality of generally rectangular cells 166. See FIG. 9.

FIG. 7A illustrates one version of vertically oriented second partition164 having two opposed plies 167, 168 joined along interior surface 169.The partition 164 has a rounded front edge 170 and a rounded rear edge172. The partition 164 has an outer layer or skin 174. A wide variety ofmaterials may be used for the outer layer or skin 174 including, but notlimited to, woven polyesters, non-woven polypropylenes, foamed and solidpolyolefins, latex and non-polyolefin plastics. Inside the outer layeror skin 174 is a foam interior 176 comprising the two plies 167, 168joined together along interior surface 169. A wide variety of materialsmay be used for the foam interior 176 of the partition 164. In oneembodiment, the foam interior 176 is a polyolefin foam. However, othermaterials other than foam which may be parent welded or fused togetherwithout any additional material may be used. Any of the products and/ormaterials described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/235,695 or12/175,983, both of which are fully incorporated herein, may be used forany of the partitions 138 or 164.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the partition 164 has a plurality of passages 178(only two being shown). Along the length of the partition 164, theopposed plies 167, 168 are fused or parent welded to each other alongcontacting surfaces except where the passages 178 are located. In theselocations, the opposed plies 167, 168 are separated from each other toallow connectors 141 to pass through the passages 178 in partitions 164.Although the drawings show each second partition 164 having fiveparallel passages 178, the partitions 164 may have any number ofpassages of any desired width in any desired locations.

FIG. 7B illustrates another version of vertically oriented secondpartition 164 a similar to the partition 164 shown in FIG. 7A, buthaving a round front edge 170 a and a flat rear edge 180.

FIG. 7C illustrates another version of vertically oriented secondpartition 164 b similar to the partition 164 a shown in FIG. 7B, buthaving a flat front edge 182, rather than a round front edge, togetherwith a flat rear edge 184.

Although FIGS. 7 and 9 illustrate the dunnage structure 136 made withvertically oriented partitions 164 shown in detail in FIG. 7A, andhorizontally oriented partitions 138 shown in detail in FIG. 8A, anydunnage structure described herein may be constructed using any of thepartitions illustrated or described herein. For example, the dunnagestructure 136 may be made with vertically oriented partitions 164 ashown in detail in FIG. 7B and horizontally oriented partitions 138 cshown in detail in FIG. 8D. There are many combinations possible.

FIG. 7 shows connectors 141 extending through a plurality of alignedpassages 178 of aligned vertically oriented second partitions 164 andthrough a plurality of slots 140 in the horizontally oriented firstpartitions 138. As shown in FIG. 7, the bottom of a connector 141 formsa generally U-shape so the lowermost horizontally oriented firstpartition 138 acts as a base 186. In the illustrated embodiment, thebase 186 is identical to the other horizontally oriented firstpartitions 138; however, it may be different for improved durability orstrength. For example, it may be much thicker than the otherhorizontally oriented first partitions 138 or be made from a differentmaterial.

The connectors 141 in any of the embodiments may be made of plastic suchas polyvinyl chloride, high density polyethylene or nylon. However, anyother suitable materials, such as metal, may be used in the connectors.The connectors may be any desired shape, width or length, depending uponthe application.

FIG. 9A illustrates the dunnage structure 136 of FIGS. 7 and 9 with atop 188 to make a completed dunnage structure or assembly 190 which maybe inserted and removed inside a container as desired. As shown in FIG.9, upper portions of the connectors 141 pass through slots in the top188 and are bent inwardly. In some applications like the one shown inFIG. 9B, overlapping portions 192 of connectors 141 above the top 188 ofthe completed dunnage structure 190 may be stapled with fasteners 194.Although fasteners 194 are shown as staples, any other suitable form ofsecuring the upper portions of opposed ends of connectors 141 may beused. When completed, one piece of connector 141 may be in the form of afinished loop, securing all the dunnage components together in a neatorderly fashion.

FIG. 9C illustrates an alternative completed dunnage structure orassembly 190 c which may be inserted and removed inside a container asdesired. The structure 190 c has a plurality of individual holding cells166. As shown in FIG. 9C, upper portions of the connectors 141 passthrough slots 140 in an uppermost or top one 202 of a plurality ofspaced horizontally oriented partitions 138 c. Upper portions 204 ofconnectors 141 extend above the top horizontally oriented partition 202of the completed dunnage structure 190 c. These upper end portions 204of connectors 141, respectively, each have holes 206 therein throughwhich a locking member 208 passes. Although the locking member 208 isshown as being a bar having a circular cross-section, any other suitablelocking member may be used to keep the connectors 141 from fallingdownwardly through the passages of the partitions 164. This method ofusing a locking member to pass through portions of the connectors may beused in any of the embodiments of dunnage structure contemplated by thepresent invention including those described or shown herein and may beused to secure the completed dunnage structure or assembly 190 c insidea container, rack or similar structure used for shipping parts, such asautomobile parts. For example, the locking members 208 may be longerthan shown in FIG. 9C and may engage the container, rack or similarstructure used for shipping parts to hold the dunnage structure insidethe container or rack.

FIG. 10 shows the completed dunnage assembly 190 being inserted into thecontainer 125 prior to the container top 134 being put on the container125. FIG. 11 shows a finished container 196 ready for use. In thefinished container 196, the completed dunnage assembly 190 is locatedinside the container 125 and ready to be loaded or unloaded dependingupon whether the cells 166 of the completed dunnage assembly 190 areempty or full, respectively.

FIG. 11A shows the underside of the dunnage structure 136. In thisembodiment, the connectors 141 are not looped at the bottom below thebase 186. Rather, each connector 141 passes through only one alignedgroup of passages 178 in partitions 164 and slots 140 in partitions 138.A lower portion 198 of the connector 141 is bent and may or may not besecured to the base 186. FIG. 11A shows these portions 198 not securedto the base 186 while FIG. 11B show these connector bottom bent portions198 secured with fasteners 200 to the base 186.

In order to make the completed dunnage assembly 190 shown in FIG. 9A,one may build from the base 186 up. Connectors are passed through orsecured to the base 186, passed through the passages 178 in thevertically oriented partitions 164, through slots 140 in thehorizontally oriented first partitions 138. The ends of the connectors141 may be fastened with fasteners, such as staples, to the base 168 ortop of the completed dunnage assembly 190. The rounded edge or edges ofpartitions prevent scratches, cuts and abrasions when workers insert orremove parts or products from cells 166 of the completed dunnagestructure 190.

While I have described only a few embodiments of my invention, I do notintend to be limited except by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of making a slotted partitioncomprising: providing a multiple layered partition blank comprising afoam substrate having opposed first and second surfaces, a firststiffening layer secured to the first surface of the foam substrate anda second stiffening layer secured to the second surface of the foamsubstrate, the multiple layered partition blank further comprising firstand second outer fabric layers secured to the first and secondstiffening layers, respectively; heating the foam substrate; bringingtogether edges of the first and second outer fabric layers over an edgeof the foam substrate to create a rounded edge of the partition; andslotting the partition.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said foamsubstrate comprises polypropylene.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein saidrounded edge is created by a rotatable tool.
 4. The method of claim 1wherein said partition is not folded.
 5. The method of claim 1 whereinsaid foam substrate comprises polyolefin foam.
 6. The method of claim 1wherein said fabric layers are polyester.
 7. The method of claim 1wherein said rounded edge is created by a forming tool.
 8. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said fabric layers are made of a non-woven textilefiber.
 9. A method of making a slotted partition for use in a partitionassembly, said method comprising: providing a partition blank comprisinga single ply foam substrate, stiffening layers and a pair of outerskins, at least one of the stiffening layers being secured to thesubstrate and the outer skins being secured to the stiffening layers,heating the foam substrate; joining the outer skins over an edge of thefoam substrate to create a rounded edge; and cooling and slotting thepartition.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein said foam substrate is aclosed-cell polypropylene foam.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein saidouter skins are polyester.
 12. A method of forming a slotted partition,the method comprising the steps of: providing a multiple layeredpartition blank comprising a foam substrate having opposed first andsecond surfaces and a first stiffening layer bonded directly to thefirst surface of the foam substrate and a second stiffening layer bondeddirectly to the second surface of the foam substrate, the multiplelayered partition blank further comprising a first outer layer securedto the first stiffening layer and a second outer layer secured to thesecond stiffening layer; heating the foam substrate of the partitionblank; bringing together upper edges of the first and second outerlayers over an upper edge of the foam substrate to create a roundededge; and slotting the partition.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein thefoam substrate is a polyolefin.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein saidfoam substrate comprises polypropylene.
 15. The method of claim 12wherein said foam substrate comprises a closed-cell polypropylene. 16.The method of claim 12 wherein said foam substrate comprises a singlelayer of material.
 17. The method of claim 12 wherein said first andsecond outer layers are a non-woven fabric material.
 18. The method ofclaim 12 wherein said first and second outer layers are polyester. 19.The method of claim 12 wherein said first and second outer layers arewoven polyester.
 20. A method of forming a partition assembly for use ina container, said method comprising the steps of: providing first andsecond slotted partitions, each partition comprising a foam substrate,stiffening layers secured to opposed faces of the foam substrate andfirst and second outer layers secured to the stiffening layers whereineach of said slotted partitions has an upper edge which is rounded in atransverse direction along the upper edge and the partition is notfolded; and engaging the first and second partitions to form a partitionassembly.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the foam substrate is apolyolefin.
 22. The method of claim 20 wherein said foam substratecomprises polypropylene.
 23. The method of claim 20 wherein said foamsubstrate comprises a closed-cell polypropylene.
 24. The method of claim20 wherein said first and second outer layers are polyester.
 25. Themethod of claim 20 wherein said first and second outer layers are wovenpolyester.
 26. A method of forming a slotted partition, the methodcomprising the steps of: providing a multiple layered partition blankcomprising a foam substrate having opposed first and second surfaces anda first stiffening layer bonded to the first surface of the foamsubstrate and a second stiffening layer bonded to the second surface ofthe foam substrate, the multiple layered partition blank furthercomprising a first fabric layer secured to the first stiffening layerand a second fabric layer secured to the second stiffening layer;heating the foam substrate; using a forming tool to create an edge whichis rounded in a transverse direction along the edge; and slotting thepartition.
 27. The method of claim 26 wherein said foam substratecomprises polypropylene.
 28. The method of claim 26 wherein said foamsubstrate comprises a closed-cell polypropylene.
 29. The method of claim26 wherein said forming tool is rotatable.
 30. The method of claim 26wherein said first and second fabric layers are a non-woven fabricmaterial.
 31. The method of claim 26 wherein said first and secondfabric layers are polyester.
 32. The method of claim 26 wherein saidfirst and second fabric layers are woven polyester.
 33. The method ofclaim 9 wherein said foam substrate is a polypropylene foam.
 34. Themethod of claim 9 wherein said each of the fabric layers is wovenpolyester.
 35. The method of claim 9 wherein said rounded edge iscreated by a forming tool.
 36. The method of claim 35 wherein saidforming tool is rotatable.